And yet again still another one of those sizing threads…

No, this thread isn’t going debate French fit or “fist full of seat post” sizing or anything like that. I’m looking at page 21 of Frank Berto’s 1988 Complete Guide to Upgrading Your Bike, Table 2-1 where he provided “typical” sizing and geometry for racing, sport touring, and loaded touring bicycles. In case you don’t have a copy (and you should get one) he lists a frame size for his typical bike/person of 22-in for a racing bike, 22.5-in for a sport tourer, and 23-in for a loaded touring bike. Frank attributes this to the different riding positions used by riders of each of those styles of bikes and goes on in that chapter to provide a great deal of information on proper fit. What I find interesting about it all is that I’ve never seen anyone discussing this difference in sizing based on the type of bicycle. So how about you folks? Do you vary the size of the frame based on its intended usage? I know a lot of us end up with whatever is the closest size available in the bike we want since we are collecting vintage bikes but assuming you could get any size you want, would the size vary?

I guess I can understand a smaller frame for racing forpossibly more stiffness, slightly lighter, and maybe you can rock the bike from side to side better when sprinting without the top tube hitting your legs.

I dont understand the reasoning for a larger frame for loadd touring?

I'd want the same size for every riding style however given the choice.

I guess I can understand a smaller frame for racing forpossibly more stiffness, slightly lighter, and maybe you can rock the bike from side to side better when sprinting without the top tube hitting your legs.

I dont understand the reasoning for a larger frame for loadd touring?

I'd want the same size for every riding style however given the choice.

I wish Frank posted to this forum. He could probably clear up a lot of these questions I'll have to read that chapter again and see if he mentions any particular reason for that. I don't recall that he did but it's been a while since I read the whole thing.